First Nations Leadership Council Statement regarding the election of Christy Clark as Premier-designate of BC

The First Nations Leadership Council is taking a “wait and see” approach following the election of Christy Clark as the new Leader of the BC Liberal Party and Premier-designate of British Columbia.

"We congratulate Ms. Clark on her election as the Premier–designate of British Columbia”, said Chief Douglas White of the First Nations Summit Political Executive. “First Nations across this province will now be looking to the new Premier for her commitment to work with First Nations to address the horrible reality of too many of our children who are born into chronic and grinding poverty and to close the socioeconomic gaps faced by our communities, to work to implement existing treaties between First Nations and the Crown and to reinvigorate BC's approach to reconciliation of our Aboriginal Title and Rights through treaty negotiations, and continue our joint efforts to implement the principles of the New Relationship based on mutual respect and recognition.”

"We congratulate Christy Clark and we are extremely interested in her 'families first' campaign message. First Nations deeply resent the disgraceful levels of intergenerational child poverty within our communities while many resource-based companies prosper from our territories,” said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs. "Governments and big business must recognize our constitutionally-enshrined, judicially-recognized and internationally declared Aboriginal Title, Rights and Treaty Rights through true revenue-sharing and shared decision making to ensure all of our children enjoy a safe, healthy and prosperous future."

"Congratulations to the BC Liberals on selecting their new leader, Christy Clark, BC’s second female premier. Much progress has been made over the past 10 years under the leadership of Premier Gordon Campbell whom we send our best wishes”, said Regional Chief Jody Wilson Raybould of the BC Assembly of First Nations, “Ms. Clark has the opportunity to continue along the same path as her predecessor towards reconciliation with our Nations through the full recognition of our Title and Rights. While our communities face many challenges, we are having success and can continue to make progress where there is understanding and a willingness to cooperate. We look forward to working with Ms. Clark."

The First Nations Leadership Council will be seeking an early meeting with Premier Clark to discuss how her government will work with First Nations to revitalize work to implement the commitments made in the New Relationship and continue towards a new era of co-operation where Aboriginal Title and Rights are recognized; where each other’s laws and responsibilities are respected and where both Aboriginal and Crown titles and jurisdictions are reconciled.

FNLC Challenges Minister of Fisheries over her statements about Pacific Halibut Allocations

On February 15, 2011, Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, issued a public statement regarding the Pacific halibut fishery. The Minister’s statement focused on the challenges of allocation of the Pacific halibut fishery between commercial fishermen and recreational harvesters.

The BC Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit and Union of BC Indian Chiefs have requested an immediate meeting with Minister Shea to express the deep and collective concern of the exclusion of Aboriginal fisheries of Pacific halibut.

“It is now an established legal principle, through the Supreme Court of Canada, that any allocation of priorities after valid conservation measures have been implemented must be given to the Aboriginal fishery. It is imperative that Minister Shea recognize and acknowledge this reality, said Regional Chief Jody Wilson-Raybould of the BC Assembly of First Nations. “To make an allocation decision regarding the Pacific Halibut fishery without honouring the priorities set out by the Supreme Court of Canada, and the principles as stated in the United Nations Declaration on Indigenous Peoples, shows an obvious disregard for the laws of this country and, most importantly, for the inherent rights of First Nations.” (To download to full release, please visit www.bcafn.ca; www.ubcic.bc.ca or www.fns.bc.ca)

Leadership Council Supports Representative for Children and Youth’s Call for Strategy to End Child Poverty and Address Infant Deaths

The First Nations Leadership Council has sent an open letter to Premier Gordon Campbell in support of the recent report issued by Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, BC Representative for Children and Youth, which calls for a strategy to end child poverty and address infant deaths.

Vulnerable families, in particular Aboriginal families, in British Columbia continue to face chronic, deep, and grinding poverty and inadequate housing, which desperately requires a concrete plan of effective action with the full participation of our provincial government. Some of the devastating impacts of this poverty include the tragic deaths of 21 infants who died in unsafe sleeping arrangements between June 2007 and May 2009. These heartbreaking deaths and their primary underlying issues are analyzed in the recent report by the Representative for Children and Youth, Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, titled “Fragile Lives, Fragmented Systems: Strengthening Supports for Vulnerable Infants.” (To download to full release and letter, please visit www.bcafn.ca; www.ubcic.bc.ca or www.fns.bc.ca)

FNEMC UPDATE

First Nations - China strategy A strategy to engage with the unprecedented interest by the Chinese government and industry to invest in natural resource opportunities in BC is being developed by the FNEMC. FNEMC is working with the First Nations Leadership Council to ensure that the direction of this strategy is consistent with the priorities of the Chiefs. This strategy will develop a clear set of principles for investing with First Nations in BC and will provide solutions to create positive partnerships with communities.

BC HydroFNEMC-BCH Memorandum of understanding – In June 2010 an MOU was signed to build a working relationship between our respective organizations. After 8 months of discussions, an agreement on joint priorities has been set that includes:
a. Prepare a feasibility study to inform BC Hydro on the use of small scale bio-energy projects in small remote First Nations communities.
b. Information Exchange to better understand opportunities for First Nations such as:
· Work with BC Hydro to develop and deliver a 'BC Hydro 101' presentation - procurement, HR, Power Smart, acquisitions.
· Develop case studies for relevant energy projects (e.g. IPP partnerships, solar communities) to share with interested First Nations.
· Compile list of relevant incentive programs to advance energy efficiency and clean energy generation projects (BCH, INAC renewable energy, audit, renovation, community energy plan).
c. Assist First Nations that seek to be involved in Clean Energy Calls.

Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) process – BC Hydro is developing an Integrated Resource Plan that is a 20-year province-wide plan that describes how BC Hydro will meet future demand for electricity through measures such as energy conservation and clean energy generation. FNEMC has stated that such a plan must include First Nations in the development of the terms of reference and adequate resources should be set aside for meaningful engagement. To date we have not made any solid progress to get involved in this process and we hope to update you at the upcoming UBCIC, FNS, and AFN meetings.

The Smart Metering & Infrastructure Program has been recently announced by BC Hydro. Starting this summer, BC Hydro will replace 1.8 million meters in homes and businesses throughout the province to be completed by December 2012. The Program will create 350 new jobs. BC Hydro will be hiring liaisons in the 177 First Nation communities that are BC Hydro customers to work with the smart meter installers. Corix Utilities has been selected for the installation portion of the Smart Metering Program. BC Hydro and Corix Utilities have indicated that they are committed to working closely with First Nations communities throughout the Smart Metering Program implementation. The FNEMC has stated that such a program should include training for long term employment opportunities for First Nations. Corix has long term opportunities in water/wastewater plant operations and they have indicated that they are interested in working with First Nations on the short term opportunities related to Smart Metering as well as longer term opportunities. To date, we have had two informational meetings with BC Hydro and Corix on Smart Metering.

Mining FNEMC is developing a work plan for 2011 to undertake the following:
a. Changes to the mining free entry system that gives third parties rights that conflict with Aboriginal title.
b. Environmental assessment reform. The federal and provincial Crown continues to talk about amending the current systems. FNEMC seeks to ensure that First Nations are involved in any changes that are proposed.
c. Revenue sharing and impact benefit agreement. FNEMC seeks to ensure that Crown revenue sharing and industry impact benefit agreements are both necessary before projects occur on First Nations lands. Fair IBAs should include profit sharing.
d. Policy reform including federal 'no net loss' and amending the metal mining effluent regulations. As we witnessed in the Kemess North and Prosperity mining proposals the use of these federal policies gives companies the ability to use fresh water, fish-bearing lakes as tailings ponds. Amending these policies will prevent future disputes.
Bioenergy pilot project
A feasibility study to identify alternative opportunities to generate power using bioenergy for off-grid First Nations communities has been completed. Several potential combined heat and power technologies have been identified. A working group of experts has been assembled to create a financial plan to assist up to 60 First Nations communities in BC.

FNECDC UPDATE

The First Nations Early Childhood Development Council (FNECDC) was created in 2007 in order to support BC First Nations children (ages 0-6 years), parents, and communities in generating a coordinated approach to early childhood development (ECD) programs and services. Council membership exceeds 60 representatives from First Nations communities, governments and organizations with a mandate and expertise in early education/learning and child care.

Memorandum of Understanding The FNECDC’s Memorandum of Understanding “acknowledges that Early Childhood Development is critical to the success of First Nations children in all aspects of their lives and serves as the foundation for life-long learning.” The FNECDC welcomes new signatories on an ongoing basis.

FNECDC Framework Building upon a decade of consultations with First Nations communities, the FNECDC developed a draft Framework in 2009. The document outlines clear principles, goals and strategies that can be implemented as action items to support the development and enhancement of First Nations ECD programs and services.
In 2010 the Framework was widely circulated to First Nations leaders, service providers, community members and families. A revised version of the Framework that incorporates the voices of our communities is currently being drafted.

Aboriginal Early Childhood Development Reinvestment Initiative The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) brought the FNECDC together with the Aboriginal Early Years Advisory Circle (AEYAC) as a Joint Steering Committee to collaborate on a $5 Million Aboriginal Early Childhood Development Reinvestment initiative. Disbursement of the funds began in December 2010 with calls for applications that included: Minor Capital, Service Planning and, Language & Culture Development. On January 19, 2011 an additional $1 Million was provided by MCFD for a total of $6 Million. These funds have been directed to over 350 ECD General Project Enhancement Grants in the amount of $7500 each. The deadline for application is March 15, 2011. All relevant information and application templates have been posted at www.fnesc.ca/ecd/ecd.php.

Next Steps
· New Website: The FNECDC has developed a website! www.fnecdc.ca.
· Framework: In the coming months, the final edition of the FNECDC Framework will be presented to First Nations leadership for their endorsement and ratification.
· Community Outreach: Consultation with First Nations communities throughout the province is ongoing. Please forward information on early childhood meetings/ sessions/ conferences happening before the end of April, 2011 to the FNECDC coordinator.

In November 2010, the First Nations Child & Family Wellness Council Executive announced that they are pleased to welcome Bobbi-Jo Leo as the First Nations Child & Family Wellness Council’s Interim Coordinator. Bobbi-Jo can be contacted by e-mail at b.leo@fncfwc.ca or by phone at 604.922.7795.

Community Engagements 2011 Wellness Council
The First Nations Child & Family Wellness Council (FNCFWC) hosted Community Engagement sessions in early 2011 in seven (7) regions, including Kamloops, Merritt, Chilliwack, Terrace, Fort St John, Prince George and Nanaimo. The purpose of the Community Engagement Sessions is to:
a) Provide up-to-date information concerning implementation of the Indigenous Child at the Centre Action Plan;
b) Receive direction and input regarding components of a representative Indigenous Governance Framework;
c) Explore ways and means to collaborate more effectively and efficiently; and
d) Chart our Critical Path forward.

A survey was uploaded to the FNCFWC’s website (www.fncfwc.ca) to gather feedback and direction from Chief and Councils, front line workers and community members on governance and collaboration with respect to the care of First Nations children. The feedback provided through this survey will be incremental to information being gathered through regional sessions held throughout the Province in January and February 2011. Survey results will be incorporated into the draft report on the First Nations Child & Family Wellness Council Regional Sessions and will be available the first week of April 2011.

BC Aboriginal Social Sector Organizations a) The First Nations Child & Family Wellness Council and the First Nations Health Council are hosting a meeting of BC Aboriginal social sector organizations on March 17-18, 2011 at the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel – Shaughnessy Room, 1128 West Hastings Street. Building upon previous meetings of social organizations over the past several years, the outcomes of this planning session are to:
b) Provide an opportunity for each participating organization to bring forward existing or proposed projects, and issues of concern, for feedback and advice from other participants;
c) Provide an opportunity for each participating organization to share their expertise with respect to the projects and issues identified by other participants;
d) Identify potential projects that we can work on together that will be of benefit to all of us; and,
e) Identify a number of individuals to examine systemic shifts that could arise from our collaboration over the long-term.

Indigenous Child at the Centre Forum IV Please make a note in your calendars that the Wellness Council is in the planning stages of the next ICC IV, scheduled for April 13, 2011 in Vancouver, BC. Please check the FNCFWC website or lookout for the new FNCFWC Newsletter for updates.

The First Nations Child & Family Wellness Council continues to be committed to working together with First Nations communities, organizations and government agencies to improve the overall well-being of our First Nations children, youth and families. We trust that in 2011 we will have the opportunity to build stronger relationships with you.

Next Meeting:
The next First Nations Child & Family Wellness Council meeting is scheduled for March 24, 2011.

NRT UPDATE

The New Relationship Trust (NRT) issues its own newsletter Voices. To download a copy of the January 2011 issue or earlier issues of Voices please visit the NRT website at www.newrelationshiptrust.ca.

FIRST NATIONS HEALTH COUNCIL UPDATE

Your Voice: Health Partnership Workbook for BC First Nations The First Nations Health Council has developed an exciting new engagement tool to gain feedback from BC First Nations. The Your Voice: A Health Partnership Workbook for BC First Nations presents key discussion topics and questions to First Nations leaders and others working in First Nations Health regarding the development of a new governance structure for First Nations health in BC.

The deadline for workbook feedback is March 29th, 2011. In order to have your name included in the early bird draw, please submit your workbook no later than: March 15th, 2011. Prizes will be drawn on March 30th, 2011.

Upcoming Regional Caucus sessions A key objective of upcoming regional and sub-regional caucus sessions will be to facilitate the Health Partnership Workbook with BC First Nations leadership and senior health leads and to provide an overall update on the work of the First Nations Health Council. Please see the list below for a meeting near you!

Regional Caucus Sessions have already been held in the Interior, Vancouver Island and Fraser Regions. Upcoming sessions include;

North
· March 23rd, 2011, Prince George, at a Venue To Be Determined
Vancouver Coastal
· Dates To Be Determined for Southern Sub-Region

Calling all First Nations Film Makers! First Nations Health Council Launches Active Spirit Active History Video Contest
$10, 000 in prizes!
Deadline: May 5th, 2011
For more information visit: www.fnhc.ca.

ICAB UPDATE

Leadership in Acts of Reconciliation for Industry and Business Event On January 27, Justice Sinclair, Chairperson of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) provided the keynote address at the ICAB Dialogue Forum. CBC host Shelagh Rogers moderated the event.

Residential school survivor Pat Teichert and Justice Sinclair

Justice Sinclair provided the 59 participants, composed primarily of business, industry, and academic representatives, with a concise history of the residential school system as well as information on the settlement agreement and the TRC mandate. He ended his thought-provoking presentation with comments on the potential for leadership in acts of reconciliation for industry and business.
The day ended with participants developing personal commitments to acts of reconciliation that they could action in their place of employment. Several notable strategies were developed including:
· Working as a Board Member for a Vancouver art gallery, propose the gallery solicit Aboriginal artists to submit works related to the Indian Residential schools for a gallery opening during the B.C. National Event.
· Coordinating an event focusing on engaging women from around the province in a reconciliation event.
· Work as an advocate to change Native Studies 12 from an optional to a required course.
ICAB promotes prosperity through mutual respect and understanding with the intent of realizing a vibrant BC business economy where Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people benefit together. Twice a year it hosts a Dialogue Forum to bring Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people together to discuss issues that hamper relationship-building.

Best Practices in Aboriginal Procurement for Industry and Business On January 13, industry and business leaders and First Nations Economic Development representatives gathered to learn about policies and procedures that lead the way in Aboriginal Procurement.

The day provided opportunities for industry representatives from several sectors to share not only their successes but their challenges in Aboriginal procurement. Cassandra Dorrington, President of the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplies Council, shared best practices in linking Industry and Aboriginal businesses and the importance of establishing clear criteria around capacity and commitment.

Mike Christian (Esh-hn-am Investments Joint Ventures) and Norm Fraser (Nupqu Development Corporation) shared their experiences with procurement from the First Nations perspective.

George Hemeon (BC Hydro) and Jay Sutton (Plutonic Power Corporation) discussed Aboriginal procurement in the energy sector while Evan Saugstad (Spectra Energy), Guy Wassick (Terasen Gas) and John Emery (AMEC) presented success and challenges in the resources and environmental area. Government approaches to Aboriginal Procurement were presented by Tamara McLeod, Director of Procurement Governance - BC, Leah Penz, Aboriginal Procurement and Business Promotion Directorate, INAC and Lisa Banxachai, Stakeholder Engagement, Public Works and Government Services Canada. The day ended with a presentation from Glen Clark and Steve Stein – Black Diamond Limited on best practices and challenges in Aboriginal procurement from the prime contractor perspective.

Participant comments indicated the workshop was valuable for the information is provided on what businesses are doing in Aboriginal procurement. Few were aware of the services provided by the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supply Council or the successful approaches of Spectra Energy and Black Diamond. Information shared provided strategies to enhance company procurement policies and approaches. Others found the commonality of challenges across the sectors to be of interest and appreciated the ‘real life stories’ that offered insight on what worked and how barriers were addressed. The information shared by government representatives and the opportunities to network and build relationships were also highlights for the day. One participant comment summarized the workshop succinctly: “The day was one for opening dialogue and starting discussion to explore opportunities that are win-win”. Another participant noted: “Hearing from the panels gave me confidence to push forward my business!”

The day was a success on many levels. Stay posted for more information on Regional Sessions.

ICAB premiere of ‘Celebrating the Journey” Seventy people gathered at a reception at the Coast Coal Harbour on February 26 for the premiere of the documentary that celebrated the Leadership Exchange and the journey of Chief Kim Baird (Tsawwassen First Nation), Ian Anderson (Kinder Morgan Canada), Chief Harold Aljam (Cold Water First Nation), Graeme Barrit (Coast Hotels and Resorts), Chief Willie Charlie (Chehalis First Nation) and Don McInnes (Plutonic Power).
A first in Canada, the Leadership Exchange provided ICAB and Simon Fraser University’s Learning Strategies Group (LSG) with the opportunity to design and facilitate a unique program that provided three corporate executives and three First Nations leaders with the opportunity to develop deeper relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. The participants’ experiences were filmed as they moved through each other’s work and cultural environments and developed important insights into each other’s roles, responsibilities, motivations, values, decision-making processes and priorities.

ATBC UPDATE

The Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia (AtBC) Board held the most recent Board of Directors meeting in January 2011. During this meeting the Board appointed a new Executive Committee. The AtBC Board of Directors is composed of thirteen Board members; represented by 6 regional, 6 at large, and an ex-officio. The Board of Directors is elected at an Annual General Meeting by eligible stakeholders of the Association for terms of two years.

During the January meeting AtBC continued planning for 2011 and beyond. AtBC is completing the successful delivery of the Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Blueprint Strategy and is set to sunset March 31, 2011. Both the Federal and Provincial Governments supported new sector investments in cultural tourism. AtBC was able to invest in training and awareness (tier 1), product development (tier 2), and marketing (tier 3) for the past 3 years. This has resulted in a substantial increase in the number of cultural tourism products, training and employment, and interest from many of the Aboriginal communities throughout the province. AtBC will be releasing a sector report by April that provides performance measures as a result of these important sector investments.

Going forward the AtBC management and Board are completing planning for the next important steps for the Aboriginal cultural tourism industry. AtBC intends to publicly release a 2011 – 2012 Action Plan in March that identifies specific strategies to ensure the Aboriginal cultural tourism sector continues to grow. AtBC’s goal is to grow the industry from the 2009 base of approximately $38 million to no less than $45 million by 2012. Tourism is one of the largest sectors of the BC economy estimated to bring in provincial revenues of over $13 billion each year. Therefore AtBC’s role to bring new products on-line, enhance marketing of existing products, and raise awareness is critical.

A few other highlights:
1. AtBC held an Aboriginal Tourism Training Forum with key partners in Treaty 8 to support a two day seminar to assist product development in Northeast BC. The seminar was well attended with roughly 65 individuals in attendance.
2. AtBC is planning our next forum for stakeholders March 15th and 16th (tentative) in Vancouver. AtBC will send out the agenda and registration process in February to our official distribution list.

If you are not currently a stakeholder or on our official distribution list and want to be, please contact AtBC @ 1-604-921-1070 and ask for Executive Assistant Linda Calla. She would be pleased to send the stakeholder forum or take your email information and ensure it is added to future distributions.

3. AtBC contributed to the First Nation Economic Development conference scheduled for February 28, March 1 and 2, 2011.

For more information please view the AtBC website at www.aboriginalbc.com or contact our office located in West Vancouver at (604) 921-1070.

Thank you for your interest and continued support of the Aboriginal cultural tourism sector from the AtBC Board of Directors and staff.

FNTC UPDATE The First Nations Technology Council (FNTC) would like to announce that Norm Leech, from the T’it’q’et Nation, has accepted the position of Executive Director as of February 28, 2011. Norm has contributed greatly to the FNTC since the beginning and has been President for the last 2 years.

FNTC is working to add ‘The Marketplace’ to the First Nations BC Portal. For a small fee, this feature will allow First Nations from BC to set up a PayPal account and sell their goods or services through the Portal – a feature many people from remote communities have asked for. An easy-to-update free Directory feature is also being developed wherein First Nations from BC will be able to list their services under broad categories.

REQUEST TO FIRST NATIONS FROM THE FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES (FCM) The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) New First Nations – Municipal Community Infrastructure Partnership Project (CIPP) Seeks Your Feedback

The FCM is currently conducting a short survey about First Nation and Municipal relationships around service agreements. We want to know whether these are important issues in your municipality and how we can respond to municipal needs in this area. The survey takes just a couple of minutes to complete. Please follow this link to the survey: fcmcareers.wufoo.com/forms/first-nations-survey/.

First Nations – Municipal Community Infrastructure Partnership Project (CIPP) Who? FCM is co-operating with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) on a new project entitled "First Nations – Municipal Community Infrastructure Partnership Project (CIPP)." The project aims to foster relationships between First Nations and adjacent municipalities across Canada, encouraging mutually beneficial service agreements – particularly those pertaining to water and wastewater infrastructure.

What? The project is in the preliminary research stage, identifying existing agreements across Canada, studying lessons learned, creating a series of case studies and completing a first draft of a toolkit.

How? Through the toolkit, the project will build capacity for municipal-First Nations infrastructure projects. The toolkit will include case studies, templates, checklists, model agreements, best practices and other useful resources for First Nations and municipal governments.

CIPP will also host Partnership Training Workshops across Canada, based on its toolkit. The workshops will address relationship building and information sharing as they relate to community infrastructure and service agreements. Although we have not yet selected workshop host communities, we hope to provide at least one workshop in each region that indicates it needs training.